Program of Scale – You Can’t Put Four Good Men Down

The Chiang Mai International Rotary Club (CMIRC) is proud to share a significant milestone: we are halfway through our Global Grant project aimed at delivering clean water and sustainable development to 21 remote villages in Northern Thailand. What began as a bold vision has grown into a transformative initiative thanks to the dedication of our international Rotary partners and the tireless work of the Integrated Tribal Development Foundation (ITDF).

At the heart of this effort is a collaboration that spans continents, driven by passion and expertise. The Rotary Club of Fig Garden (Fresno, California) has been a driving force, inspiring other clubs across the United States to join in supporting the project. Special recognition goes to Mike Andritch of Fig Garden, whose leadership and Rotary experience have been crucial in building momentum and engagement across District 5230 and beyond.

The success of the current Global Grant has laid the foundation for something even bigger, a Rotary Program of Scale Grant, designed to extend support to dozens more communities over a five-year period. If successful, this grant would elevate the reach and impact of our water, sanitation, and development efforts on an unprecedented scale.

A special thanks goes to Doug Brown of the Rotary Club of Corral de Tierra, whose expertise in Global Grants has been instrumental in guiding the project through Rotary’s rigorous approval processes. Doug’s leadership has not only helped secure previous grants for water projects in Tanzania but also set a high standard for stewardship and sustainability in international service.

We are equally grateful for the guidance of Eric Hanson, President of the Lanna Foundation, which has partnered with ITDF since 2012. Eric understands deeply that clean water is the foundation upon which hope and opportunity are built. The Lanna Foundation’s support and vision have empowered many hill tribe communities to focus on education, healthcare, agriculture, and microenterprise - key tools in overcoming systemic poverty.

The backbone of this effort remains Michael Mann, founder and director of ITDF. In July 1991, Michael began the Lahu Irrigation Project with just four hill tribe staff members, working under the Thailand Lahu Baptist Convention and with funding from the Baptist Union of Sweden. From that humble beginning, Michael’s team has grown into a powerful force for good, transforming entire communities with sustainable infrastructure and a holistic model of development.

And we must not forget Patrick Desloge of Storylab, whose expert advice and support in shaping our presentation for the Program of Scale application have added immense value. His contributions help us share our story with clarity and conviction.

This is a project born of vision, lifted by Rotary collaboration, and sustained by the commitment of people who believe that change is possible. As we look to the next stage, we’re reminded: you can’t put four good men down, especially when they’re standing up for clean water, human dignity, and a better future for all.